ICC, IAPMO tentatively agree on key elements for creation of jointly developed Plumbing, Mechanical Codes

The International Code Council (ICC) and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) announced today that they have reached tentative agreement on certain key elements of a venture to jointly develop one plumbing code and one mechanical code for use by the entire nation.

"I am most impressed by the ability of both organizations to recognize and understand the fundamental goals of each other, and to craft the new venture so as to incorporate all of those goals," stated Henry Green, President of the ICC. "After much hard work, we have reached preliminary agreement on the basic code development processes that could enable us to jointly provide one plumbing code and one mechanical code for the country beginning in 2009."

Christopher Salazar, President of IAPMO remarked, "The synergy demonstrated during our recent meeting enabled us to develop a framework for the essential business aspects of the relationship. There is much more hard work in store for the work groups from each organization assigned to handle the details of the relationship; however, I am hopeful that at the end of the day, we will have produced a lasting agreement between IAPMO and the ICC."

Both organizations emphasized that this is a tentative agreement, and that any final agreement will require resolution of a number of important implementation issues. If the remaining issues are resolved, both organizations intend to hold meetings throughout the country educating their members about the benefits of the new relationship.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council. ICC is the developer of the ICC Family of Codes, including the International Mechanical Code® and International Plumbing Code® For more information click here.

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is an organization dedicated to the protection of the public's health and safety through the development and maintenance of the Uniform Plumbing Code™ (UPC™) and the Uniform Mechanical Code™ (UMC™). IAPMO is a membership association serving industry, government, consumers and other parties within and outside the USA, and besides promulgating industrial education seminars and certification programs, IAPMO is a leading developer of standards, codes, product testing and certification with goals to enhance public safety and health. IAPMO is an ANAB accredited agency for ISO management systems registration. For more information, visit www.iapmo.org.